Chandeliers for dining room serve a dual purpose: they brighten the table and act as decorative focal points that set the tone for your space. As with any lighting fixture, a chandelier’s size and placement are important for both practical and aesthetic reasons. A chandelier that’s too big can block the view of your dining room furniture and cause people to bump their heads when they sit or get up from the table, while one that is too small can make the room feel cramped and less inviting.
The ideal chandelier size depends on both the table and the room itself, but it’s also essential to understand how your ceiling height affects the fixture’s height above the table. Generally speaking, the bottom of a chandelier should hang 30-36 inches above the dining table if you have an 8-foot ceiling. If you have a taller ceiling, be sure to play around with the measurements to find the perfect balance between aesthetic and function.
As for style, there are many types of chandeliers that can suit any taste. For example, candle-style or crystal chandeliers offer a classic look that suits any formal dining room. Alternatively, drum and sputnik chandeliers offer contemporary styles that work well with modern furnishings or eclectic spaces. If you prefer a more minimalist look, consider a linear suspension light like the Unity 55-Inch LED Linear Suspension Light by ET2 Lighting, which features abstract shapes finished in brushed champagne to create an intriguing sculpture of luminous light.
Some designers argue that the illuminating aspect of a chandelier should be its primary focus, so they don’t adjust for ceiling height or room size when selecting the best option for a particular space. However, most homeowners and decorators want the fixture to not only illuminate the table, but also to serve as a design statement in their space.
If you have a larger dining table, it’s typically best to opt for a chandelier that’s at least 10-12 inches narrower than the width of the table. This will prevent people from accidentally bumping their heads on the fixture as they walk around or get up from the table.
Once you’ve decided on the proper chandelier size, it’s time to select the right style for your space. If your home has an open-concept floor plan, it’s also a good idea to consider how the fixture will look when viewed from other areas of the house. The last thing you want is for the lighting to look too different in each area of the space!
Once you’ve found the ideal chandelier for your dining room, finish the look by pairing it with well-chosen dining room furniture. A sleek modern dining set or a decorative bench is an excellent way to add extra seating for dinner guests while highlighting your new lighting. Adding a dimmer switch is another great way to control the mood of your dining room, allowing you to switch between full-on party vibes and a more intimate dinner for two.